FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Hilton Chennai

by Gtrav

Jul 3, 2011
2011 / July 2011

Arrival/Check-in: Embracing the goal of Hilton Hotels and Resorts to be “a global brand with a local heart,” the cool marble lobby is partitioned by a curved filigree screen which introduces traditional aspects of Indian art. Every clerk and doorman greets guests with “Good day,” and the efficient check-in staff dispenses magnetic room keys that open doors reliably without requiring repeated returns to the lobby for recharging. Duty Manager Kaarthik Kumar at the desk confirmed my return air ticket and printed out my boarding pass. (30/30)

Guest Quarters: Like each of the 204 guestrooms, mine was comfortably fitted with a slice of mirrored wall, a mahogany desk, upholstered armchair and ottoman. There are 40-inch LCD TV sets, four hypo-allergenic pillows, walk-in rain showers, Crabtree & Evelyn “La Source” amenities and multi-international power points at desk height for Internet connections. It took a few tries to decipher the automatic light switches, but natural light floods in through floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the neighborhood. On the eighth and ninth executive floors, private check-in and check-out service is offered. Breakfast, cocktails with hors d’oeuvres and other refreshments are complimentary there. (28/30)

Services/Amenities: A convenient third-floor business center supplements the in-room electronics. Guests have use of spa facilities and a fitness room equipped with Precor stationary bikes, treadmills and gym gear. The roof features a breezy outdoor 15-foot by 80-foot infinity swimming pool designed so bathers can gaze at the cityscape while swimming laps. The terrace’s balmy palm trees just clear the 10-story height limit dictated by the nearby airports.

While my room service lunch was delivered in an efficient 20 minutes, I could have chosen from five restaurants offering snacks, lounge food and international dining. The rooftop Q Bar and Grill serves light fare poolside in an open-air lounge with cozy upholstered gazebo seating. There are selections of cheeses and fine wines in the Vintage Bank, a third-floor lounge fitted out with masculine “steamer trunk” tables. Ayla showcases local Kadaloram cuisine, and Est in the lobby provides sandwiches, fresh pastries, chocolates prepared on site and salads (including a delicious Greek salad with goat cheese and grape leaves). The hotel’s major food venue is an all-day buffet in sunny Vasco’s with skyline views and four live kitchens serving Indian, Oriental and international dishes. (39/40)

The Experience: Barely 15 minutes from the international airport and nearby technology parks, the new Hilton Chennai is a convenient alternative for people visiting this bustling southeast India city that is emerging as one of the country’s major business centers. The excellent service and comfortable décor offer a soothing refuge from the cacophony of traffic and pedestrians in the congested streets. While technically the Hilton brand ranks mid-level among the Hilton Worldwide range, this particular Hilton is a luxury option for visitors to Chennai.

Total Score: 97/100

Hilton Chennai

124/1 J.N. Salai, Ekkaduthangal
Chennai, India 600 032
tel 91 44 222 55555
Hilton Chennai

Introducing

FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Explore Excursions

#globility

Insta Feed
Daily
Mar 17, 2025

UN Tourism Announces Best Tourism Villages in 2024

From Caviahue-Copahue in Argentina to Tra Que Vegetable Village in Vietnam, travelers can now discover the 55 newest Best Tourism Villages of 2024 as researched by UN Tourism. These are not overcrowded, mass-tourism villages, but instead very rural destinations that have consolidated their position as key players in sustainable tourism and community development.

Find Your Perfect Escape with Paradisus by Meliá — More Than Just All-Inclusive

Luxury travel today is about more than just beautiful accommodations — it’s about experiencing the destination. Paradisus by Meliá takes traditional all-inclusive resorts to the next level by offering indulgence with immersion, experiences and authenticity. Each resort is shaped by its location, local flavors and curated Destination Inclusive® experiences that bring you closer to the heart of the destination.

March 2025
Mar 17, 2025

Buenos Aires Embraces Life with Art, Music, Sports and Fine Food

The fascinating city of Buenos Aires has managed to maintain its appeal for travelers despite Argentina’s roller coaster economic history.

Daily
Mar 17, 2025

Welcome the Arrival of Tulip Season in Amsterdam with Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky

Every spring, Amsterdam’s parks and fields erupt into an array of colors with the arrival of tulip season. To help travelers have the ultimate experience, Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam offers three curated experiences celebrating the iconic flower through historical insights, natural immersion and gourmet food.

Madrid: The Charm of an Authentic City

They say Madrid is in vogue for many reasons: its lifestyle, its heritage, its cuisine and all of its new attractions. And it’s true, because Madrid is on the radar of travelers looking for a cutting-edge destination that still holds onto its essence. Join us as we explore its charms.

Slideshow
Mar 17, 2025

6 Reasons to Put Santa Fe, New Mexico, on Your Travel List

It’s time to start dreaming of your next trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through Santa Fe, New Mexico, with us.

Daily
Mar 13, 2025

Sedona, Arizona, Hotel Promises Perfect Nature-Centric Stay

Immerse yourself in nature with a stay at L’Auberge de Sedona. This luxury property in Sedona, Arizona, invites travelers to reconnect with nature through its accommodations and outdoor experiences.

A Summer Sojourn Along Europe’s Rivers with AmaWaterways

This summer, elevate your vacation experience with award-winning AmaWaterways. Offering a seamless blend of unparalleled luxury, authentic cultural experiences and unrivaled service, AmaWaterways cruises are the perfect way to uncover the heart of Europe during the sunniest season with itineraries that glide along the continent’s most iconic rivers, including the Danube, the Rhine, the Seine and the Douro.

Daily
Mar 13, 2025

Ancient Baths Brand Opens Second Location in New York City

AIRE Ancient Baths officially opened the doors of its second New York City location March 1, bringing even more wellness to New Yorkers and visitors. Following the success of its location in Tribeca, AIRE New York Upper East Side debuts, blending ancient traditions from Roman, Greek and Ottoman civilizations.